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New York state announces autonomous vehicle testing is allowed

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the state will allow testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads. "We are taking a careful yet balanced approach to incorporating autonomous vehicles on our roads to reduce dangerous driving habits, decrease the number of accidents and save lives on New York roadways," said Cuomo in a statement.

New York is accepting applications from companies interested in testing the vehicles through a year-long pilot program.

The crowded race to develop self-driving technology has sped ahead despite controversy caused by a handful of accidents, the idea of not having humans controlling vehicles physically, and new infrastructure needs.

Supporters say it can reduce driver error and make roads safer and more efficient. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation related to autonomous vehicles, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

New York's program requires manufacturers to adhere to a number of oversight measures and restrictions that could raise objections from an industry that prefers private, real-world testing.

Companies in New York must have a $5 million insurance policy, submit reports to the state, be overseen by the state police and pay the state police for supervising each test.

According to the rules, testing cannot take place in construction or school zones, and must adhere to a predesignated route shared in advance with the state.

In September 2014 California's autonomous vehicle testing regulations went into effect, but it has not been a smooth ride thus far.

The above article was sourced from AutoNews.com and can be read in its entirety here.